Category: Reviews

Hearing Aide: Spoon ‘Hot Thoughts’

After what felt like an eternity, Austin-based indie rock band Spoon returns on St. Patrick’s Day with their ninth full-length album, entitled Hot Thoughts. They haven’t released a full album since their 2014 masterpiece They Want My Soul, which contains some of the best silver in Spoon’s musical vault. The gold goes to their 2007 record Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga, which not only has some noteworthy songs, but truly put them on the map towards success and credibility as songwriters.

This new 10-track release on Matador Records drives the band in quite a millennial-type of electronica direction, while maintaining the same pure frustration of garage punk that made us fall in love in the first place. Songs like “I Ain’t the One,” “WhisperI’lllistentohearit,” “Shotgun,” and the title track “Hot Thoughts,” can only be described as disco punk, with a driving rhythm section featuring bassist Rob Pope and drummer Jim Eno, that feels easy to dance to. Add in synthesizer effects that not only compliment a willful resistance, but also engage in a transient, almost Beatles-comparable element to balance out the aggression. Spoon properly confuses the listener, tossing in sample bits and adding artistic effect pedals to give each instrument its own voice and purpose.

Sprinkled throughout the album, in tracks like “Pink Up” and the final song “Us,” Spoon throws us some instrumental curve balls, featuring cameo appearances from a strings section and a mysterious saxophone solo. In their sexiest tune and pre-released single “Can I Sit Next to You,” we hear a sarangi-sounding pitch bend technique by synth guru Alex Fischel. The arguably best song on the album, “Do I Have to Talk You Into It,” bestows upon us a somber intonation in singer and guitarist Britt Daniel’s voice, as almost a means of inner disapproval. The song’s lyrics are hard to pin to a particular event or substance, but its dark descriptions certainly contrast the overall uplifting feel of the song. Once again, this band tricks us into calling them a punk band, and then convincing us that they can do rock (and even jazz) just as easily. To say this band parallels the indie rock genre isn’t completely accurate, as they are always dipping their feet into deep musical waters, and surfacing with sensibilities similar to Trent Reznor, John Lennon, Chris Martin, and Miles Davis to create a multitude of concepts. This album shows us that Spoon is going in a new direction, but they remain true to their roots. This album features electric guitars, xylophones, honky-tonk pianos, strings, saxophones, and sampling experiments that mock existing ideas, while also creating new ones. This album represents the ‘hot thoughts’ that have been stirring in the brain of Spoon, and this album meets and exceeds expectations of anyone who listens to Spoon, or ‘indie rock’ in general.

Just in time, Spoon is touring their way around the country, conveniently making stops in NYC for the annual Panorama Festival, followed by an appearance at the XPoNential Festival in Camden, NJ. For more info and to purchase tickets, visit Spoon’s band page.

You can hear the full album on Spoon’s Soundcloud.

Key Tracks: Hot Thoughts, I Ain’t the One, Do I Have to Talk You Into It

March 20, 2017
Garth Brooks and Rabid Albany Crowd Show Love For One Another

It sure didn’t feel like a Sunday night in Albany’s Times Union Center on March 12, as the Garth Brooks World Tour played its third and final night at the Capital Region venue. Garth’s three hour set, which also featured his wife and country/food network star Trisha Yearwood, had the whole arena shaking, testing the building’s foundation.

Fans ate up and reacted thunderous to everything Brooks did on stage, prompting him to scream and raise his arms in triumph, like a MMA fighter winning his match after every song. The atmosphere that was created between fans, and one of the best entertainers, not only in country music, but the music industry itself, has to be experienced in person. Brooks sounded amazing; his powerful country southern twang just draws you in and almost hypnotizes you with every lyric he sings, especially on hits like “The River,” “Unanswered Prayers,” and “The Thunder Rolls.”

I’ve never seen so much love and admiration between fans and an artist like Brooks. Brooks is such a class act and in a league of his own when it comes to an artist, caring for his fans. During Brooks set, he admitted that back in 1992 when he first came to the Capital Region area, he was afraid, because of the stereotypes of the Northeast, but it’s nights like this, that prove all of that wrong, and that country music is well received in the area.

The energy in the building was unbelievable. Brooks constantly ran around the arena-width round stage set up, while waving and howling at fans. Every fan in the building, reacted to every first note, and sang every word, to every song. The fans were so vocal on every song, the tour should be renamed “Sing along with Garth and Trisha.” Fans at times even drowned out Brooks, when he performed and talked to the crowd in between songs. The crowd was so loud in singing his songs, it felt like a 17,000 plus choir that was part of the show.

Garth was so amazed by the crowds participation, he said to them that they were singing his songs, like it was their songs, and if they keep singing like this, he’ll stay and play all night.

When the night was over, fans leaving the arena were on a natural high, as they sang “Friends in Low Places,” together as they filed down the staircases leaving the Times Union Center.

After openers Karyn Rochelle and Chris Lane, opened the show with solid performances, all that stood in the way of fans, from Brooks, was a countdown clock to Garth. As every second inched closer, the Times Union Center began to vibrate.

A brief video package started playing on the video wall backdrop, reflecting Garth’s career and the achievements he’s earned throughout, The video wall lifted to reveal Garth’s band, as Brooks shot up on a platform from underneath the stage. Brooks started his extensive set with “Baby Let’s Lay Down and Dance,” followed by “Rodeo.” By the second line in the first verse in “Rodeo,” Brooks realized quickly that the vocal fans in Albany meant business, as he yelled to fans “Oh you came here to sing!”

Once the song ended, Brooks said to the crowd “Thanks again people, it’s been 20 years since we been back, thank you [the fans] for coming back.” Brooks then went on to say that fans were going to get everything that the two previous nights saw, and more.

Brooks spoke briefly about when he goes to concerts as a fan, he wants to hear the old stuff, and know fans feel the same when wanting to hear their favorite songs when coming to a show performed by their favorite artist. He then told the crowd that he and the band brought all their old stuff with them. Brooks then joked to the crowd “Speaking of old stuff, you got to remember, I’m like 117 years old. The only way this big ass is gonna get through this night, is your gonna have to pick me up and carry me over the finish line.” Brooks then said to the crowd before playing “The River,” “We can talk about the old stuff all night, let’s find out who knows the words to the old stuff.” Cell phones started to light up for this song, as the crowd sang along.

Fans held their breath for a brief moment as Garth’s high energy convinced himself to climb to the top of the sphere like structure that surrounded his drummer during the song “Ain’t Goin’ Down (‘Til The Sun Comes Up).” Amazed on how hot the crowd has been through the night, Brooks said to the crowd “This is a Sunday Night?”

Brooks conducted a 2 minute scream off between fans in attendance, on what section of the arena could be the loudest. Brooks double pointed at each section like a gunslinger drawing his weapons.

Garth stood in awe, took off his cowboy hat, and applauded the audience after they sang “Unanswered Prayers,” with him in a magical performance.

Fans went crazy when they heard the sound of thunder starting to roll. Garth talked about how the next song didn’t catch on right away, and it took a while for it to eventually become a hit. As he started singing the first verse of the song, Garth, hearing fans still singing right on cue with him told fans to “Bring It.” Everyone could not get enough of Garth and reacted to every gyration, note, and crash.

Trisha Yearwood soon took over the show, and gave her husband a breather. Garth did stay on stage and play some guitar during her set.

Yearwood started off with “XXX’s and OOO’s (An American Girl).” Yearwood stated after the song that they had the best weekend performing in Albany. She said “It’s been loud, it’s been fun, you have been singing every word. It’s been incredible, thank you, thank you, thank you for a great weekend Albany.”

Yearwood told the crowd that she’s been listening to them sing, and that they sounded really good, and asked, if they knew the next song, to please sing it with her. She continued that the song has a really high note in it, then joked to the crowd “So I’m expecting a lot.”

Fans then held it down throughout Trisha’s amazing vocal performance of “How Do I Live.” Yearwood slowly made her way around the stage giving all fans in the arena a glimpse of her as she waved. When she came full circle, Yearwood turned the ending of the song over to the Albany fans. She held the mic in the air and said “It’s on you Albany.” In that instance, a breathtaking concert moment was created as fans did not let Yearwood down including hitting the high note she talked about. Yearwood said after the song, “Even the high note Albany, great job.”

For those of you who know the lyrics, a real life Katie and Tommy in the crowd holding a sign, caught the attention of Yearwood as she was explaining the rules of the kiss cam for the upcoming and last song in her set “She’s In Love With The Boy.” Yearwood brought them up on stage for the song. Couples were kissing and dancing as Trisha sang the feel good song. After the song, Katie and Tommy walked away with not only one hell of a memory, but Yearwood autographed her sign, and not to be outshined Brooks autographed the guitar he was playing and handed it over to the couple.

Garth returned with a cover of Billy Joel’s “Shameless,” and “Callin’ Baton Rouge,” before performing “Friends In Low Places.” As Brooks hit the first note, the place erupted. The crowd was at peak singing volume and insanity at this point. Fans received a special treat during the song as Garth explained to fans, that on the new World Tour, he and the band, don’t perform the third verse of the song. He then stated “I am thinking though, it’s the last night here. It has been 20 years since we been back here.” Brooks then joked that still wasn’t enough before stating “But when you think about a Sunday night, kicking the shit out of any other Saturday night…that’s enough reason to say screw it, let’s do the damn thing, so New York if we’re going to break the rules, I got to hear you sing this as loud as you have ever sang before.” Confetti cannon’s shot white streamers over the crowd as the song ended.

Garth came back out for an encore. Before he got started, he thanked fans for coming out and wished those who needed to leave cause they have work tomorrow, safe travels.

A lot of artist should take note from Brooks, and change the norm of an encore if you perform all your hits during your set. Brooks said to the crowd, “For you guys who may never have been to a Garth show…if I’m lucky enough to get to this position after the show is over… people will bring their signs, and they will bring them out here for songs that maybe they didn’t get to hear during the show, sometimes like album cuts. So let’s see what we can do here.” Brooks then scoured the signs for songs and made brief comments to fans holding signs that he chose. In all, Brooks performed seven tracks from the audience’s wish list.

An impromptu second encore started with an amazing version on Billy Joel’s “Piano Man.” Garth stated he only pulls out the guitar he his holding on special occasions to perform this one song. It was the perfect song to fit the mood of the evening. Garth once again took his cowboy hat off and bowed to the crowd for their appreciation and admiration, after the song concluded.

Brooks again stated to the crowd “Ok, same speech as before, but now it’s 11:00 at night. For you people who have to go, thank you for a tremendous evening, for a tremendous weekend. For you people who can stay…I’m gonna play more music for you all night.” At one point, the crowds enthusiasm, prompted Garth to say “Are you motherfucking kidding me?” Brooks lowered the mouthpiece on his headset mic, so the curse word didn’t come through the PA.

Before running off more covers, Brooks said that he was going to play songs by some of the greatest voices in country music. Brooks stated to the crowd “You guys always get a bad rap, people don’t think you know your country music. I know, you know country music.”

He went to talk about that after so many years in the business, he considers himself one of the old guards, he self imposed on himself the responsibility, to make sure the newer generation, knows some of the greatest country vocalist that he knows. Brooks played covers by Keith Whitley, George Straight, and Randy Travis, before ending the night with “Standing Outside the Fire.”

Garth Brooks World Tour Setlist: Baby Let’s Lay Down and Dance, Rodeo, Two of a Kind, Workin’ on a Full House, The River, Two Pina Coladas, Papa Loved Mama, Ain’t Goin’ Down (‘Til The Sun Comes Up), Unanswered Prayers, If Tomorrow Never Comes, That Summer, The Thunder Rolls, In Another’s Eyes, XXX’s and OOO’s (An American Girl), How Do I Live Without You, Prize Fighter, Georgia Rain, She’s In Love With The Boy, Shameless, Callin’ Baton Rouge, Friends in Low Places, The Dance

Encore 1: When You Come Back To Me Again, Wild Horses, Belleau World, The Red Strokes, Fit For a King, Much To Young (To Feel This Damn Old), More Than A Memory, Piano Man

Encore 2: Don’t Close Your Eyes, Amarillo By Morning, I Told You So, Standing Outside the Fire

March 17, 2017
South Africa’s Cultural Ambassadors Amaze the Quick Center

It was an absolute honor and pleasure to see this iconic group of musicians Ladysmith Black Mambazo play such a humble venue as the Quick Center in Fairfield, CT. They were not only baffling to listen to, they were visually astounding. Dressed in brightly colored shirts, dark pants and white shoes, they danced around in unison and improvisationally in the most entertaining way. They were well rehearsed, full of energy and had a great sense of humor.

Those not familiar with the group might recognize them from the highly respected Paul Simon album, Graceland, among a plethora of other widely recognized artists. More info on the band can be found in an interview with NYS Music and one of the founding members, Albert Mazibuko. Listeners can appreciate the beauty of the music for themselves by finding their copious amount of music available for download on their website, iTunes and Spotify.

The group consisted of mostly replacement members and only two members that were with the original group. Taking the place of founding member Joseph Shabalala, were his two sons, Thamsanqa Shabalala and Sibongiseni Shabalala, who were a perfect fit for the group as it moved into it’s sixth decade. Other members included close and extended family, all of whom did an immaculate job.

Unfortunately, Ladysmith already made their rounds through New York and Connecticut, but they are always touring and will undoubtedly run through the tri-state area again soon.

Their music wasn’t really the most fascinating part of the show, though. Although it was more than impressive, their presence and personalities made it the extravagant performance that it was. At first, it was almost uncanny how close they sounded to their studio recordings. But what was more astounding was they didn’t need to listen to the key of the song they were going to sing. They just dove right into it and all nine of them were all in sync and on the same key. It goes to show how well rehearsed and passionate they are about about their music as well as what it represents. Some amount of improvisation was used in terms of their singing and dances. The rest of the group would vamp over the chorus while members would take turns stepping forward to center stage and show off some moves. They would perform both native dances as well as some modern and comical moves coming from the younger members.

They mostly performed songs from their most recent album, Walking In the Footsteps of Our Fathers which they described as a celebration of the group’s past present and future. They said it is a way for the future group to honor the paved path made by their predecessors. They featured many of their own popular recordings like “Awu Wemadoda, “King of Kings” and “Long Walk to Freedom” as well as some of their most popular songs like “Homeless, and the intro to “Diamonds In the Soles of Her Shoes,” both of which were written alongside Paul Simon. Preceding the songs, members would tell a quick story or explanation behind the creative process and meaning of the songs. These stories clearly gave the audience a better understanding of the songs as well as the visuals performed by all members. The show was stimulating to almost all of the sense and is definitely something everyone should experience in their lifetime.

March 16, 2017
Al Di Meola Celebrates New and Old Songs at Paramount Hudson Valley

A steady crowd gathered for a musical treat as guitar virtuoso Al Di Meola brought his tour to a close on its last stop at Paramount Hudson Valley on Feb. 26. His stop at the historic Peekskill theater in support of his latest release Elysium, also marked a celebration of the 40th anniversary of one of his first releases Elegant Gypsy.

Before starting his first set, Di Meola took a couple of minutes to introduce his band, most of whom he has known or played with for many years – Philippe Saisse (keyboards, marimba), Gumbi Ortiz (percussion), Elias Tona (bass), Luis Alicea (drums) and Evan Garr (violin). Kicking off with the fast-paced and melodic “One Night Last June,” the first set intertwined tightly-knit improvisation traded between band members with Di Meola’s brilliant songwriting. Before wrapping up the set the theater was treated to a throwback to Di Meola’s days as a teenager playing with the prog supergroup Return to Forever with “Medieval Overture.”

As skilled as Di Meola is on electric guitar, he is equally talented on acoustic guitar and started the second set with a few acoustic songs by himself and later with some help from the rest of the band. He opened this portion with a work-in-progress titled “Ava’s Dream Sequence,” inspired by his daughter. Leading back into the electric portion of the second set was a teaser of Led Zeppelin’s “Black Dog.” The set was exciting with a looser, more improvised feel to it focusing more on his older compositions/collaborations.

Perhaps the most appreciable part of Di Meola’s performance was the career-spanning diversity of the setlist. Not only did he perform songs from early in his career including a few from Elegant Gypsy (to mark that album’s 40th anniversary), but he included recent compositions from Elysium and a few favorites from his collaborations with Chick Corea and Return to Forever. It was nothing short of a top-notch end to a tour.

Setlist

Set 1: One Night Last June, Flight Over Rio, Babylon, Senor Mouse, Adour, Medieval Overture

Set 2: {acoustic set}, Black Dog, Midnight Tango, Song to the Pharaoh Kings, Dark Eyed Tango, Egyptian Danza

Encore: Chiqualin, Race With Devil on Spanish Highway, Sorceress

[ngg_images source=”galleries” container_ids=”351″ display_type=”photocrati-nextgen_pro_mosaic” row_height=”180″ margins=”5″ last_row=”justify” lazy_load_enable=”1″ lazy_load_initial=”35″ lazy_load_batch=”15″ ngg_proofing_display=”0″ captions_enabled=”0″ captions_display_sharing=”1″ captions_display_title=”1″ captions_display_description=”1″ captions_animation=”slideup” order_by=”pid” order_direction=”ASC” returns=”included” maximum_entity_count=”500″]

March 15, 2017
Phil Lesh & The Terrapin Family Band Slip into Winterland ’77

On the eve of a massive blizzard in the Northeast, on Monday, March 6, and after the dreaded “spring ahead” of Daylight Saving Time, Phil Lesh and The Terrapin Family Band took to the stage of Brooklyn Bowl to fall back into time, specifically, to recreate a June 7, 1977 at the Winterland Arena in San Fransisco, California.

Honestly, I’m not positive when it was announced that the TFB would be recreating this iconic show in its entirety, but the fact that it coincided with the aforementioned weather and skip in space-time continuum was, if nothing else, extremely amusing to a few of us in attendance. Joined by Eric Krasno of Soulive, the Terrapin Family Band sounded fresh and eager, breathing new life into a set of Winterland ’77 that is nearly 40 years old.

Without hesitation, I will attest to having heard this show many times. I own the box set and collected the bootlegs. But for a few hours last night, I hung on every note with anticipation of what was to come next. And that is the large part of the appeal, to what is, the expansive catalog of the Grateful Dead. Even after all these years and incarnations and cover bands and the like, there just might be something new around the corner when you least expect it.

Grateful Dead Live at Winterland Arena on June 7, ’77

Set 1: Bertha, Jack Straw, Tennessee Jed, Looks Like Rain, Peggy-O, Funiculi Funicula, El Paso, Friend Of The Devil, The Music Never Stopped

Set 2: Scarlet Begonias, Fire On The Mountain, Good Lovin’, Candyman, Estimated Prophet, He’s Gone, Drums, Samson And Delilah, Terrapin Station, Morning Dew, Around And Around

Encore: Uncle John’s Band, U.S. Blues

March 15, 2017
Mandolins Raining Bluegrass at Turning Stone with Ricky Skaggs and Bruce Hornsby

Sometimes some of the most unusual pairings become the sweetest combinations. That is exactly what happens when you combine Grammy award winners Bruce Hornsby and Ricky Skaggs. Ten years ago the two came together by happenstance and after discovering how appealing this union was, their marriage of sounds continues to please all that have the opportunity to hear it.

Collaborating on a combined album ten years ago fittingly named, Ricky Skaggs and Bruce Hornsby they debunked all nay sayers who insisted the piano and bluegrass combo didn’t gel. With breakneck upbeat tempos on piano, Hornsby keeps the fire going as Skaggs shreds the mandolin and guitar with lightning speed. Finishing up their spring tour at the Turning Stone Showroom on Sunday, March 5, Skaggs, Hornsby and their band Kentucky Thunder wowed the crowds from start to finish.

Kentucky Thunder, Skaggs’ tour band, includes Paul Brewster (tenor vocals, rhythm guitar), Scott Mulvahill (bass, bass vocals), Russ Carson (banjo), Jake Workman (lead guitar), Mike Barnett (fiddle) and Dennis Parker (baritone vocals, guitar). With front men Skaggs and Hornsby leading the surge, the sound explosion rocks the crowd each and every time they hit the stage. The songs chosen for the setlist showcased the skills and talents of each and every one of them. This group performance had the feeling of a mountainous jam session despite the bright lights of the Showroom. The packed crowd couldn’t contain themselves as they clapped and moved in their seats with each tune all night long.

As the show ended and the crowds dispersed, those who stuck around had the ultimate pleasure of meeting the legendary Ricky Skaggs. Hornsby who unfortunately had a flight to catch couldn’t stay, but Skaggs took the time to sign and take photographs with each and every fan. I couldn’t help but fangirl over this legend. Growing up outside of Nashville, the music of the Opry and the stars that shine brightly on that stage become part of your culture. They are family, and Ricky Skaggs is a patriarch to that family. To meet this legend was huge. It was the grace and humility demonstrated by Ricky Skaggs that evening that proved that country music is more than just music, it’s the common thread that unifies us. In this chaotic life we lead, to stop and enjoy music as we did this evening is what it’s all about.

Setlist: How Mt. Girls, Toy Heart, Bluegrass Breakdown, Darlin Corey, The Way It Is, Spoon, Ceili, I’m A People, Blue Night, Columbus Stockade, 20/20 Vision, Sally Jo/Maggie, Uncle Pen, Rawhide. Encore: Heard My Mother

[ngg_images source=”galleries” container_ids=”357″ display_type=”photocrati-nextgen_pro_mosaic” row_height=”180″ margins=”3″ last_row=”justify” lazy_load_enable=”1″ lazy_load_initial=”35″ lazy_load_batch=”15″ ngg_proofing_display=”0″ captions_enabled=”0″ captions_display_sharing=”1″ captions_display_title=”1″ captions_display_description=”1″ captions_animation=”slideup” order_by=”pid” order_direction=”ASC” returns=”included” maximum_entity_count=”500″]

March 15, 2017
Boogie Low Celebrating New Release in Syracuse Saturday

Syracuse-based groove rockers Boogie Low have a hometown party planned for the release of their new eponymous album at the Westcott Theater Saturday March 18.

Photo Credit: Nicole Carey Photography

Opening for Boogie Low Saturday night are fellow Syracuse-area natives, Barroom Philosophers, who are also promoting a new release. Tickets for the show are $10 and can be purchased at Sound Garden in Armory Square or online through the Westcott Theater’s website.

The quartet first formed as the Boogie Low Trio in 2011. Founding members Tommy Dennis (bass), Loudon Smith (guitar/vocals) and Brandon Caza (drums) used a reggae-tinged sound reminiscent of Sublime and other Long Beach, CA bands of the early ’90s as a base. The band ditched the “Trio” from its name when it brought on guitarist Matthew West in 2012. The band parted ways with Caza in 2013 and was replaced by Brandon Au, completing the band’s current lineup. Other contributors to the new album include Ray Wiggins on drums, Ty Hancock on keys and Josh Alaniz, also on keys.

The new album, simply titled Boogie Low, has influences ranging from the aforementioned Sublime to Santana, moe., Umphrey’s McGee, 311 and Calexico. This range of influences allows Boogie Low to create its own distinct sound that encapsulates all of them.

Smith’s vocals are rhythmic, soulful and smoky, while West’s western-style guitar solos wouldn’t be out of place on a Quentin Tarantino soundtrack. This is especially prominent on the tracks “Mexico,” “Eldin” and the band’s signature jam vehicle “Shadows,” which closes the album. Wiggins’ drumming and Au’s percussion work is what keeps this train moving. Their beats are at the forefront of Boogie Low’s sound. The accents Wiggins and Au provide help to propel the rest of the band to the next level. One can easily feel the jamming possibilities in a live setting being propelled by the percussion.

The CD was produced at SubCat Music Studios in Syracuse by Jeremy Johnston and mastered by Patrick MacDougal. The band credits Johnston as being the captain of the ship from start to finish. Physical copies of the album will be available at the Westcott Saturday night or directly through the band’s website. Following the show, the album will be available through iTunes, Spotify and on Pandora.

Track list:
1. Mexico
2. Eldin
3. Back to Nothing
4. Better Way
5. Colas in the Sky
6. Annie
7. Miss Bliss
8. Tommy’s Song
9. Walk On
10. Mckenna
11. Shadows

Key Tracks: “Mexico,” “Colas in the Sky,” “Shadows”

March 14, 2017
How Sweet It Is: Melvin Seals at The Westcott Theater

On Wednesday, March 8, Syracuse celebrated the spirit of Jerry Garcia in spectacular fashion with help from Melvin Seals & JGB at the Westcott Theater. The intimate evening began with the Upstate NY native band, Los New Yorkers. The four-piece consisted of three middle aged men and one woman that hopped from one instrument to the next. The feel-good and upbeat originals reminded me of something that might get chosen as the theme song for a 90’s sitcom on TGIF. Members not only switched back and forth from guitars, washboard, drums, keys and bass but each member also brought their own original song to the table. While most lyrics consisted of life-changing events, their love for New York State and generic happy moments, Los New Yorkers did not ignite that Jerry spark that many Deadheads in the crowd were seeking. If I ever hear this band again, it will probably be while I am buying cotton candy at the New York State Fair because that is exactly how it made me feel.

Word has spread up and down I-81 about a Scranton-based bluegrass group known as The Dishonest Fiddlers, and the quartet did not disappoint. This collection of traveling ramblers were chosen by Dave Brown, founder of the band, who swaps artists for every show, making the “About Page” on their Facebook profile dishonest. The unique idea of taking musicians from different parts of the country allows Brown the freedom to mix it up at the drop of the hat and the pluck of a string. One downfall of never having the same band twice is that practice time is limited, therefore they are often forced to fight for space backstage.

At The Westcott Theater, the foursome found themselves practicing in front of the men’s bathroom line, which welcomed them with clinched legs and open arms. The first song of their actual set was dedicated to the “new friends in the bathroom line” as they channeled the folkie side of Garcia with a beautiful, “Rosa Lee McFall.” The remainder of the seven-song set consisted of all originals and the crowd seem to genuinely enjoy every minute of it. As the room began to fill up for Seals and JGB, Brown was hoping to elicit some crowd participation during “There Ain’t Enough Water in the Water” which was minimally responded to, at best! As couples locked arms and rowdily stomped their feet, The Dishonest Fiddlers’ time was up and Brown thanked the Central NY crowd for their support during the band’s first ever visit to Syracuse. For the sake of bluegrass music, I hope they return to the Empire State very soon.

Now past 11:00pm, fans were finally ready to embrace Melvin Seals & JGB and it was well worth the wait! Aware of the time, the crowd let it all hang out as the group opened with a funky jam sequence leading into “After Midnight.” While the famous Eric Clapton version of the classic fast-paced hit clocks in under three minutes, Seals kept this monster jamming for over 15 minutes! While on the topic of iconic rock-n-roll, The Beatles were gently sandwiched in the middle of the Jerry-influenced “Midnight” jam as “Eleanor Rigby” made its appearance as it regularly did in the late-70’s and early-80’s. The “Fab Four” from England were also covered during the next song of the evening, “I Want to Tell You,” which once again featured Zach Nugent filling in for Jerry on vocals.

After the smoking hot start to the show, “When I Paint My Masterpeice” peacefully calmed the audience down and was highlighted by Nugent paying tribute to Garcia with his delicate and passionate playing. “Neighbor, Neighbor” featured strong backing vocals from Cheryl Rucker and Shirley Starks, and on the night of International Woman’s Day 2017, the crowd was thoroughly glad to have these lovely ladies in their lives. In the heart of the set list, the Garcia/ Hunter gem, “Mission In The Rain,” somberly described a lost soul searching for redemption and where Nugent’s vocal abilities fell below Garcia standards, his guitar solo was sorrowful and spot on. The playful and gospel-influenced “Evangeline” lifted everyone’s spirits after the emotional “Mission” before the bluesy “Think” featured yet another powerful vocal collaboration.

Bassist, John-Paul McLean, exchanged smiles and notes with Seals during the classic R&B cover of “Everybody Needs Somebody to Love” and to the delight of Deadheads in the room, Starks and Rucker pointed to the audience while they sang the chorus. Love had captivated the audience throughout the entire show, but especially at the end of the evening when they transitioned from “Somebody to Love” to “How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You.” Seals introduced the band and gave one more stellar B-3 organ solo during the extra sweet version. Although the show ended past 1:00AM on Thursday morning, the band was not ready to say goodbye to their loyal fan base as Seals & JGB hung out by the merchandise table to chit chat with ticket holders.

Seals has spent over 30 years in the spotlight mesmerizing audiences with his swirling keyboard-synth magic, but he is still the humble, welcoming, and sincere man he was when he first met Garcia. As a child of the 90’s I have never gotten to see Garcia play live. Although I have listened to thousands of hours of recorded material, read numerous books and stared at videos on Youtube until my eyes were blood shot, I never had the opportunity to be a part of the touring community that was cherished by millions. Thanks to bands like Melvin Seals and JGB, fans like myself and long-time fans alike can come together and share love, smiles and gratitude with their sisters and their brothers.

The Dishonest Fiddlers Setlist: Rosa Lee McFall, My Brand New Jalopy, There Ain’t Enough Water in the Water, Steve, Sam’s Cigar, The TV Store, Steamtown Blues

Melvin Seals and JGB Setlist: Jam, After Midnight*, I Want to Tell You, When I Paint My Masterpiece, Neighbor, Neighbor, Mission In the Rain, Evangeline, Think, Everybody Needs Somebody To Love, How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You

*w/ Eleanor Rigby jam

March 13, 2017
Annual Parade Ends on High Note with the High Kings in Syracuse

Frigid cold temperatures never hinder the die hard in Syracuse when it comes to their Irish traditions. Pushing through the cold and bitter day, warm smiles lined the streets March 11, welcoming the parade marchers and cheering them on with warm hearts and perhaps, just perhaps, libations to keep the edge off. Although only one third of the normal turn out attended the parade, it’s final destination at the end of the day was a fully packed ballroom at the beautifully restored Marriott Downtown where they welcomed The High Kings.

With a few more days remaining on the U.S. leg of their Grace and Glory Tour, the High Kings ramped up an already festive crowd with traditional Irish tunes. Playing all of the crowd favorites together with some new tunes from their latest Grace and Glory album, it didn’t take long to incite the crowd to clapping, singing, and dancing along. Their interactions with the crowd extended to the dance floor from which they invited a local musician who happened to bring his fiddle to join in on ‘Whiskey In The Jar.’

These multi talented musicians (Darren Holden, Finbarr Clancy, Brian Dunphy, and Martin Furey) have racked up an extensive resume on their own, but it’s the harmony of the four together that makes these gentlemen magical. Their traditional folk sound depicts stories of their culture and emotions of generations that have persevered. Their harmonies blend beautifully to transport you to the lands they sing of.

With two stops in New York still on the schedule, the folks in New York City know how special these gentlemen are and have sold out that show, so don’t miss your chance and get your tickets to their final NY performance at The Egg this week in Albany. You will not be disappointed as you celebrate your St. Patrick’s Day festivities kicking off the week with The High Kings.

Remaining U.S. Tour Dates:
March 12 – City Winery – New York, NY United States SOLD OUT
March 14 – The Egg – Albany, NY
March 15 – Live at the Kate – Old Saybrook, CT SOLD OUT
March 16 – Municipal Auditorium – Morganton, NC
March 17 – Music Box Supper Club – Cleveland, OH SOLD OUT
March 18 – Kirtland Center for Performing Arts – Roscommon, MI
March 19 – City Winery – Chicago, IL SOLD OUT

March 13, 2017
2017 Syracuse Area Music Awards Weekend Concludes with Sold Out Ceremony

The Syracuse Area Music Awards, affectionately known as the SAMMYS, wrapped up its 25th edition Friday, March 3, 2017 at the Palace Theater in Syracuse with a brief performance from freshly inducted Hall of Famers moe.

Ahead of Saturday night’s show at the F Shed, moe. closed out the two-night affair with a three song set of “Tailspin,” “Spine of a Dog” and “Buster.” Friday night’s awards ceremony, hosted by veteran Syracuse DJ and staunch supporter of the local scene, Dave Frisina, featured awards in 18 categories, including three People’s Choice categories, and performances by four Syracuse area bands, reflecting the broad range of styles and talent found in and around the Salt City.

The SAMMYS is the brainchild of Frank Malfitano and now under the care of Liz Nowak. In 1993 Malfitano created the celebration of area music for an event at the Landmark Theatre. The event changed venues several times over the years before finally settling on the grand old Palace Theater on James Street in the Eastwood district.

The festivities began with the Hall of Fame dinner Thursday night, upstairs at the Dinosaur Bar-B-Que. The Dinosaur has been one of Syracuse’s premier music venues since opening on Willow Street in 1990 and was a fitting venue for the honors and stories that filled the room.

This year’s inductees were Mohawk Valley via Buffalo jamband moe., pioneering new wave singer/guitarist Meegan Voss, 70s blues rock artists Jukin’ Bone and singer-songwriter Paul Case. Also being honored were Anthony and Patricia DeAngelis for Music Educators of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Vincent Falcone. It was a night that had the feel of a class reunion. Hugs and excited shouts from people who haven’t seen each other in years mingled with stories of years’ past in venues no longer around.

The inductions and awards ceremonies were hosted by Dave Frisina, a 1994 SAMMYS Hall of Fame inductee, long-time Syracuse radio personality, champion of local music and self-professed band dad. His son, Mike is a member of Syracuse-based band Simplelife. Most, if not all, of those in the room have dealt with him in some way throughout their career. A man like Frisina is what every music town needs. He is local music’s strongest advocate and has the platform for it at his current station 105.9 The Rebel.

Induction and acceptance speeches were filled with anecdotes and inside jokes. Though, most in attendance, were on the inside of those jokes. Memories of broken down vans, vanished venues and bad decisions peppered the speeches. It was the talk of well-worn musicians who have dedicated their craft not to become famous, but simply to play. To the outsider, it was a look at a scarcely seen side of the working musician.

The first honor of the night was for Educators of the Year. Husband and wife, Anthony and Patricia DeAngelis, two area music teachers were honored for their decades of influence on local musicians at Syracuse University, Colgate University, LeMoyne College, the Lyncourt School and Onondaga Community College. They were inducted by their well-spoken and surprisingly laid-back granddaughter Olivia.

Voss was inducted by her husband and band-mate in the Verbs, drummer Steve Jordan. In her acceptance speech, she pleaded to “Save the clubs.” Case, visibly touched at the recognition for his long career avoided revealing too much of past days on the road, “My kids are in the room.” He lavished praise on fellow musicians in the room, including Jukin’ Bone member Joe Whiting as well as the master of ceremonies.

Case, sporting a black tux and pronounced the Best Dressed in the Room by Frisina, closed his acceptance speech saying, “You get up. You drive to the gig. You set up. You play your ass off. You tear down. You drive a million miles home, week after week, month after month, decade after decade. You do it for the music.” He then dedicated his award to the late Bob Fleming of the Mossback Mule Band, who passed away in September.

Accepting for Jukin’ Bone was Whiting, Mark Doyle and John DeMaso. Discussing the problems of being a young band, Whiting offered a piece of advice, “I would recommend not signing contracts under the influence of anything distilled or brewed, made in a laboratory or passed around and smoked,” eliciting loud laughter from the audience.

The final inductee of the night was moe. Al Schnier spoke first in accepting the honor, speaking of all the Syracuse area venues spent taking in shows as a fledgling musician. Schnier lauded promoters such as Chuck Chao of Creative Concerts, who inducted the band, thanking them for shaping who they became as musicians:

We came here as kids to see concerts Chuck (Chao) was promoting. They made us fans. Whether it was Driving Sideways or the Todd Hobin Band or the New York Flyers or 805; these were the bands we looked up to as kids. They could have been the Allman Brothers or the Grateful Dead; they were the same to us. You guys were rock stars.

Drummer Vinnie Amico attributed the band’s style to its Upstate New York roots, “We all wear our hearts on our sleeves. We all kind of have this style, this thing we do, because of where we’re from. We’re blue collar, baby. We work hard, we play our music that way. There’s an edge to our music and that’s a testament to Upstate New York.”

“The Oddities of the World” – the SAMMYS Hall of Fame Class of 2017

On Friday, 54 artists were nominated among 13 Syracuse Area Music Awards categories. Sprinkled in among the awards were performances by several of the Syracuse area’s finest musicians, representing genres ranging from blues rock to country, rap, alt-rock and jam. There is definitely a varied and vibrant scene in Central New York.

Emcee Dave Frisina kept the event lively and loose, often interacting with presenters and winners as they approached the microphone. Best Jam Band winner, Joe Driscoll, affectionately referred to the host as a jedi to laughter from the crowd.

The performances throughout the night revealed the depth of talent in the area. The Ripcords opened the night accompanied by the Boneyard Horns. They ripped through three bluesy/tex-mex style songs, kicking off the night in a celebratory fashion. Unfortunately, just as they seemed to be letting loose, their set was over. You can get a taste of what the Ripcords have to offer at their ReverbNation page here.

Best R&B recipient Alani Skye had several family members in attendance and received perhaps the most vocal and joyous reception to a win. Her win for Don’t Forget About Me was never in question for the vocalist as she accepted the award.

A performance by rap artist Curtis “Tall Bucks” McDowell and the Brownskin Band followed. The rhythm section of the Brownskin band mixed equal parts jazz and funk behind McDowell’s rhymes. A guest appearance by Syracuse rapper Real Tall for the song “Solar Radiation” had elements of early ’90s era Leaders of the New School collective.

The reality of life as a working musician came to light when Lauren Mettler was awarded the SAMMY for Best Folk. After an awkward pause waiting for the recipient to make her way to the stage, her brother made his way up to accept. In his speech, he stated how he had just texted her and she was still on her way to the theater. So, as any good brother would do, he stalled for time as she made her way down the aisle, peeling her coat off as she ran towards the stage.

Mettler mentioned how she had just gotten out of work and was trying to get to the theater as quickly as possible, even though she never thought she’d win. Such is life for those looking to make a go of it in the music industry. Everyday jobs sometimes throw hurdles at you along the way. Mettler was genuinely surprised and pleased with her award.

One of the night’s cutest moments came when the award for Best Hip Hop/Rap was awarded to World Be Free for the album Nigg@$ to Gods. He was on the West Coast touring and couldn’t attend the ceremony. As his family accepted the award on his behalf, his young son took a turn on the microphone as his dad’s public relations manager, exclaiming, “My dad has CDs for ten dollars!”

Country artists Chris Taylor of the Custom Taylor Band plead with the audience to get up and dance along to their performance. A funky “Keep Me in Mind” slowly drew the audience to its feet and a rousing rendition of the Charlie Daniels Band’s “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” easily won over the crowd.

The Brian Bourke Award for Best New Artist was awarded to Funk ‘n Waffles regulars, reggae-soul band Root Shock. This presentation seemed to be the biggest crowd pleaser of the night as fellow musicians and fans alike rose to cheer their win.

Previous Bourke Award winner, the Spring Street Family Band took over the Palace with their high energy alt-rock performance that even had a band member’s dad jumping up on stage to take video with his phone. Their performance brought the audience to the stage, turning what was a somber awards ceremony into a full-fledged rawk show with a funk-metal-alt sound reminiscent of Rage Against the Machine or Faith No More.

The ceremonies concluded with the awarding of the People’s Choice SAMMYS. Over 110,000 online votes were tallied in categories of Best Band, Best Live Venue and Best Festival or Music Series. The New York State Fair wrapped up the venue and festival categories with their representative thanking all of the venues in the area for supporting the live music that becomes a part of the fair each year.

The award for Best Band went to Cortland-area country band, Small Town Shade, who also won the SAMMY for Best Country Performance for the EP Ring it Up.

moe. wrapped the SAMMYS with a lively three-song set that included “Tailspin,” “Spine of a Dog” > “Buster.” Schnier commented about the lack of curfew at the venue and suggested they keep playing until they are thrown off the stage. To the disappointment of many, Schnier apparently as well, the lights came on at the end of “Buster,” bringing a close to the two-day celebration of Syracuse area music for another year.

Best Jazz: Second Line Syracuse, Second Line Syracuse
Best Other Category: Syracuse Society for New Music, Music Here & Now
Best Folk: Lauren Mettler, Patchwork
Best Jam Band: Joe Driscoll & Sekou Kouyate, Monistic Theory
Best R & B: Alani Skye, Don’t Forget About Me
Best Pop: The Jess Novak Band, Inches From The Sun
Best Americana: Driftwood, City Lights
Best Blues: Tas Cru, Simmered and Stewed
Best Hard Rock: Breaking Solace – Shatter the Silence
Best Alternative: Bell & Sgroi, Bell & Sgroi
Best Rock: King Chro and the Talismen, King Chro and the Talismen
Best Hip-Hop/Rap: World Be Free, Nigg@$ To Gods
Best Singer/Songwriter: Alanna Boudreau, Champion
Best Country: Small Town Shade, Ring It Up EP

Brian Bourke Award for Best New Artist: Root Shock

People’s Choice Awards were conducted in an online poll for three categories. Over 110,000 votes were tallied. The winners were:

Favorite Band: Small Town Shade
Favorite venue to see live music: Chevy Court at the New York State Fair
Favorite festival or music series: The Great New York State Fair

[ngg_images source=”galleries” container_ids=”366″ display_type=”photocrati-nextgen_pro_mosaic” row_height=”180″ margins=”5″ last_row=”justify” lazy_load_enable=”1″ lazy_load_initial=”35″ lazy_load_batch=”15″ ngg_proofing_display=”0″ captions_enabled=”0″ captions_display_sharing=”1″ captions_display_title=”1″ captions_display_description=”1″ captions_animation=”slideup” order_by=”pid” order_direction=”ASC” returns=”included” maximum_entity_count=”500″]

March 12, 2017